Genital warts in women, in men, photos, symptoms, treatment

Any unplanned change in appearance is questionable, especially for women. The appearance of any neoplasm is a reason to visit a medical institution, especially when it comes to genital warts.

Warts are warts, the appearance of which causes human papillomavirus. There are several types of such warts, the list of which includes the genital type. All answers to the most common questions related to genital warts are the topic of this article.

It is interesting

First classification of the virus human papillomas (HPV) was made back in the 70s of the 20th century. At the moment, 400 strains have been found, 40 of them are capable of causing genital warts. The most common types are 6 and 11. However, a person can be a carrier of several types of HPP at the same time.

There is no medicine that can defeat HPV, and vaccinations against the virus are also not done. The virus cannot exist without a carrier and is quickly inactivated.

External signs and reasons for the appearance

In appearance, genital warts are very similar to an ordinary wart, the only difference is the leg at the base on which, in fact, the neoplasm is held.

Touching it does not cause pain, the sensitivity is preserved, the color of the condyloma can be either close to the color of the skin or with a pink undertone. Feels soft, the structure of the skin is not disturbed.

In appearance, they may resemble cauliflower (inflorescences). The number and diameter of neoplasms can be very different (from 1 to 100 growths, from the smallest size to a few millimeters). The photo below shows one of the variants of genital warts in women and men:

The reason for the appearance is the presence of papillomavirus in the body. There are several transmission methods:

1. Through sexual contact with an infected person;
2. When breastfeeding a baby (mother-to-child transmission);
3. During delivery (mother-to-child transmission);
4. Contact - household (when using personal hygiene products of the infected);

The papilloma virus is very common; according to statistics, every third woman on the planet has a trace of it in the blood. However, this does not mean that almost everyone has genital warts. Most people only act as carriers of the virus. And not only women, but also men can become infected, and the probability for both is almost the same. The only difference is that neoplasms appear more often in women than in men.

The spread of papilloma throughout the body occurs with the help of blood, and the main habitat is skin cells. In them, it multiplies, which causes a change in cell function and the formation of genital warts. The neoplasm is initially benign, but under certain conditions it can cause the appearance of a malignant tumor.

The latent (latent) period of the disease can range from several months to several tens years, so the likelihood that the carrier in his entire life will not know about his diagnosis in such a way great. In order for the virus to become active and the first visible signs of condyloma to appear, a "trigger" is needed, which is a decrease in immunity.

The medical community identifies several possible causes of genital warts:

1. Dysfunction or decreased activity of the immune system;
2. Relapses of candidiasis (thrush in women and thrush in men);
3. Diseases of the genitourinary system of an inflammatory nature;
4. Unprotected intercourse;
5. Hypothermia or overheating;
6. Constant stress;
7. Lack of good rest;
8. Hormonal imbalance in women;

It is especially likely to occur in women after 25 years of age who do not have a permanent partner and have an active sex life.

Symptoms

The main place of dislocation of the focus of education condylomas inwomen - genitals, anus and mouth. The photo below shows neoplasms in the anus area:

Most of their complaints are:

• Lower abdominal pain;
• Small lips irritation caused by wearing underwear;
• Decrease in the quality of intercourse;
• Growths that impair appearance and hygiene;
• Discomfort when going to the toilet;

The initial stage of development has its own characteristic symptoms:

• Itching
• Changes in the texture of the skin, the skin becomes bumpy to the touch;
• Irritation and redness of the skin on the lips;

In men, the symptoms are similar to those of women, the main site of appearance is on the head, frenulum or scrotum. Genital warts in men most often appear in places of microdamage. The photo below shows genital warts on the head of a man.

How is the diagnosis carried out?

Genital warts in women and men are the same. After finding out the reason for the appeal, the gynecologist or urologist diagnoses:

1. Clarification of the time of unprotected contact;
2. Visual inspection (for women on a chair);
3. PCR analysis (scraping of skin cells), allows you to determine the type of virus and the extent of its spread;
4. Histological examination (examination of a skin area);
5. Cytological examination (study of a site at the cellular level);
6. Anoscopy (examination of the anus);
7. Ureteroscopy (examination of the urethra). It is carried out to diagnose the canal and search for outgrowths in it;
8. Taking a sample for oncocytology (in men, a smear is taken from the urethra, in women, the cervical canal and cervix);
9. Biopsy. Taking a sample of condyloma for analysis;
10. Examination of the vaginal mucosa with Lugol's solution and acetic acid (for women);

Also, in addition, blood is donated for analysis, an immunologist and dermatovenerologist are visited.

How is it treated?

Treatment is aimed at strengthening the immune system and "taking control of the virus." Those. prevention of the appearance of new outgrowths and deterioration of the patient's condition. Another procedure that needs to be carried out is the removal of existing pointed papillomas.

Removal is done locally. There are several removal methods:

• With the help of current (electrocoagulation). Exposure to genital warts with high temperature. A crust forms at the site of the outgrowth, which disappears within a few days. The procedure is performed under local anesthesia. It is considered one of the most affordable and most painful sensations;
• With nitrogen. Condyloma simply freezes, under the influence of low temperature, the protein inside is destroyed. The neoplasm dies off and disappears, a wound appears in its place, healing within 2 weeks. The procedure is carried out in a hospital. Does not cause pain, but the cost is much higher;
• With concentrated alkali or acid. The treatment of the neoplasm is carried out only by an experienced doctor, it is necessary to observe high accuracy of application, since there is a possibility of damage to healthy skin;
• Using radio waves.
• Using a laser. Exposure to a narrow beam leads to drying of the condyloma with the formation of a scab (disappears within a week). The advantage of the method is the absence of marks and scars after removal;
• Surgical intervention. Deprecated and rarely used. Execution is possible only under local or general anesthesia. A suture is applied to the incision site. Scars may appear;

The selection of a suitable method depends on the results of the study, technical support and the cost of the procedure. And the removal is possible only after passing the study and passing the tests.

Another area of ​​focus is strengthening the immune system, the course of treatment is selected individually based on an analysis of the immune status. This course helps to reduce the activity of the papilloma virus in the body, which leads to a slowdown or cessation of the growth of new genital warts.

Drugs for treatment

In some cases, anti-herpes drugs are used for treatment, but their effectiveness in the case of genital warts is very low. Just as often, before the removal procedure, the attending physician may prescribe a course of medications, for example:

• Oxolinic ointment (3%). Used to remove neoplasms. The affected area is treated for 2 weeks 3 times a day;
• Trichloroacetic acid (concentrated 80-90%). Causes local tissue death, but belongs to weak drugs. It is prescribed for pregnant women;
• Solkoderm. It is applied to the affected areas and causes them to die off. It is applied from 1 time per week to 1 time per month;
• Feresol. Treatment of genital warts is performed once a week, the drug is a mixture of tricresol and phenol;
• Podophyllin. Application is possible only in a medical institution, it is produced in the form of a solution with a concentration of 10 to 25%;

Acute warts and pregnancy

A typical phenomenon for the CIS countries is the lack of measures for planning pregnancy. And most often, a woman finds out about the presence of a particular disease already during pregnancy when visiting an antenatal clinic.

In a woman in an interesting position, the body works in a different mode, and any disease, even the most harmless, at first glance, can be dangerous.

During pregnancy, a woman's immunity drops sharply and the likelihood that the virus is activated increases dramatically. During gestation, there is no danger for the baby in the womb. but condylomas in women on the mucous membranes and in the vagina can lead to significant and even dangerous complications for the mother and baby during childbirth. This is:

• Bleeding;
• Obstruction of the birth canal;
• Tears of the vagina and small lips;

Therefore, if condylomas appeared in a pregnant woman, then after all the studies, she a course of drugs that are safe for her and the baby is prescribed, which makes it possible to reduce the rate of appearance condylomas. Removal is performed only in the 3rd trimester, shortly before delivery.

If treatment and removal is not performed, then during childbirth, the baby runs the risk of contracting condilamatosis of the larynx, if his first breath occurs during the passage through the birth canal. In such situations, the expectant mother is given a cesarean section.

If warts are removed, then the probability of infection of the child is close to zero. Genital warts in women who are just planning to become mothers require a full examination, removal of these neoplasms and undergoing a course of treatment before pregnancy.

Possible complications

One of the main and most dangerous complications is the formation of a malignant tumor from benign warts and the further appearance of skin cancer.

Side and not so dangerous complications are: the formation of an ulcer on the mucous membrane, on small lips, bleeding, inflammation and the formation of pus when the growth is injured. A characteristic feature of condyloma is that, if removed incorrectly, it is difficult to stop the blood, and in place of one growth, usually several new ones appear.

The next type of complication is the developing problems of the reproductive system. The papilloma virus can cause the appearance of erosion or dysplasia on the cervix and in women with further education oncology.

Genital warts in men can cause inflammation of the urethra, which in turn leads to difficulty urinating and severe pain.

The process of treatment is also an important point. The further quality of life of the patient depends on how correctly it was carried out. With incorrect or unprofessional removal of genital warts, the following are possible:

1. Decreased sensitivity of the labia;
2. Scars and scars on the head and mucous membranes;
3. Loss of tissue elasticity, which is dangerous, especially for women planning children;
4. Narrowing of the vagina;
5. The formation of repeated neoplasms;

Is there prevention?

There are measures for the prevention of genital warts, their list includes:

1. Permanent partner;
2. Regular medical check-ups;
3. Maintaining immunity;
4. Healthy lifestyle;
5. A varied balanced diet;
6. Full rest;

Even people with papillomavirus in the active phase can lead a fulfilling life. This is not a sentence, such people are quite capable of living actively, having a family and children. For them, some precautions and strict adherence to the rules of personal hygiene are necessary.

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